Capillary array and electrophoresis apparatus, and methods

ABSTRACT

A capillary array capable of being easily mounted on an electrophoresis apparatus without damaging the capillaries. The capillary array can include a plurality of capillaries that can be fixed via hollow electrodes on a load header in a matrix arrangement. The load header can be disposed on the electrophoresis apparatus. The capillary array can include a capillary frame onto which a capillary head and a detection portion can be detachably mounted. The structure allows the load header, the capillary head, the detection unit and other portions of the capillary array to be handled as a unit, thereby making it easier to mount the capillary array on the electrophoresis apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field

[0002] The present teachings relate to a capillary-array electrophoresisapparatus for separating and analyzing samples, such as DNA or proteins.In particular, the present teachings relate to a capillary array.

[0003] 2. Background Art

[0004] An example of a known capillary array electrophoresis apparatusis disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication (Unexamined Application) No.2001-324473. The capillary array includes 16 capillaries each made of aquartz tube with an external diameter of about 0.35 mm and an innerdiameter of about 0.05 mm. The capillary array has a load header on oneend for injecting samples, and a capillary head on the other end forinjecting a buffer solution

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to various embodiments, the present teachings provide acapillary array, an electrophoresis apparatus, and a method of mountingthe capillary array onto the electrophoresis apparatus. The capillaryarray can include a frame onto which members attached to thecapillaries, such as a load header, a capillary head, and a detectionportion, can be detachably mounted. Because these members and thecapillaries can be substantially handled as a unit, the capillary arraycan be relatively easily mounted on the electrophoresis apparatus.Because there is no need to handle the capillaries when coupling theload header to the electrophoresis apparatus, damage to the capillariescan be substantially prevented.

[0006] According to various embodiments, the present teachings provide acapillary array onto which members attached to the capillaries, such asa load header, a capillary head, and a detection portion, are mounted toa frame. This structure allows the capillaries to be spared fromexcessive load when a large amount of force is applied to the membersfixed on the frame. As a result, damage to the capillaries, which aremade of fragile material, such as glass, can be prevented. For example,the frame can be made of a flexible material such that a force appliedto the members fixed to the frame through the capillaries can beabsorbed by the frame, so that damage to the capillaries where they areconnected to those members can be prevented.

[0007] According to various embodiments, the present teachings provide acapillary array including a frame onto which separators, for fasteningcapillaries without fixing them, are retained at predeterminedpositions. This structure allows the capillaries to be retained in theframe in substantially the same state as they are duringelectrophoresis. Further, since the capillaries are not fixed to theseparators, the capillary array can be easily mounted on theelectrophoresis apparatus. As a result, if a large amount of force isapplied to the capillaries, the capillaries are not damaged where theycontact with the separators.

[0008] According to various embodiments, the present teachings provide amethod of mounting a capillary array on an electrophoresis apparatus byindividually handling members attached to capillaries, such as a loadheader, a capillary head, and a detection unit. When a user handles twoor more of the members simultaneously, there is a danger that a largeamount of load will be applied to the capillaries, if they are pulled indifferent directions. Such danger can be avoided by the presentteachings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above and other objects, and features of the presentteachings will be more particularly described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a capillary array according tovarious embodiments;

[0011]FIG. 2 schematically shows an electrophoresis apparatus accordingto various embodiments;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a relationship between aseparator and a bar according to various embodiments;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a separator according to variousembodiments;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a relationship among acapillary frame, a detection unit, and a capillary head according tovarious embodiments;

[0015]FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view showing a relationship between theelectrophoresis apparatus and the capillary array according to variousembodiments;

[0016]FIG. 6(b) shows a flow chart of a mounting operation in accordingto various embodiments;

[0017]FIG. 7(a) is a perspective view of a separator during mountingoperation according to various embodiments;

[0018]FIG. 7(b) is a perspective view of a separator during a mountingoperation according to various embodiments;

[0019]FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view showing a relationship between theelectrophoresis apparatus and the capillary array according to variousembodiments; and

[0020]FIG. 8(b) shows a flow chart of a mounting operation according tovarious embodiments.

[0021] It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are exemplary andexplanatory only, and are intended to provide an explanation of variousembodiments of the present teachings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022]FIG. 2 schematically shows an electrophoresis apparatus includinga capillary array according to various embodiments. A capillary arraycan include 96 capillaries 1. Each capillary 1 can be made, for example,of a quartz pipe, with an external diameter of about 0.15 mm and aninner diameter of about 0.05 mm, which can be, for example, resin-coatedwith polyimide.

[0023] According to various embodiments, the electrophoresis apparatuscan include a load header 4 for feeding the capillaries with DNA from asample tray 3 by electrophoresis. The sample tray 3 can store a numberof sample containers 2 each containing about 10 μl or more of afluorescent-labeled DNA sample. The electrophoresis apparatus caninclude a detection unit 5 for arranging and fixing the capillaries 1 inorder by sample number in the load header 4, and an excitation opticalsystem including a mirror 7, a beam splitter 8 and a focusing lens 9 forirradiating the detection portion with excitation light from a laserlight source 6. The electrophoresis apparatus can also include adetection lens system 11 for detecting fluorescence 10 as an opticalsignal, and a CCD camera 12.

[0024] According to various embodiments, the capillary array containingDNA or proteins to be subjected to electrophoresis can be irradiated bythe laser light source 6 from either side of the detection unit 5. Thelaser 6 can be focused by the lens-type action of the capillaries 1,such that all of the capillaries 1 can be irradiated by the excitationlight. Fluorescence emitted by each capillary 1 can be detected by thedetection optics. On the other side of the load header 4, a capillaryhead 17 can be disposed. The capillary head 17 can bundle and bondmultiple capillaries 1 together, and can affix them in an air-tight andsealed manner to a buffer-solution container 14 containing a buffersolution 13. A high voltage of approximately 15 kV can be appliedbetween an electrode 20 mounted on the load header 4 and thebuffer-solution container 14 by a high-voltage source 15, such that thesamples in the sample containers 2 can be electrophoresed by the buffersolution introduced from the buffer-solution container 14 to thecapillaries 1, thus separating the samples. The samples can arrive atthe detection unit 5 ordered by size as a result of differences inresistance experienced by the DNA samples as they pass through a gelsubstantially entirely filling the capillaries 1.

[0025] According to various embodiments, fluorescence corresponding tothe four nucleotides, specifically, adenine, guanine, cytosine, andthymine, that can be emitted from the fluorescent-labeled DNA samples,can be detected by the CCD camera 12. Such an optical signal can beobtained by irradiating the capillaries 1 arranged on an optical flatplane with tolerances of several microns, by way of excitation lightentering from either side of the detection unit 5.

[0026]FIG. 1 shows a detailed view of the capillary array according tovarious embodiments, for facilitating the attachment or detachment ofthe capillaries 1 to the main body of electrophoresis apparatus. Thecapillary array can be a replaceable component that can be discardedafter several months, or after several hundreds of times of use, whenits separating capabilities are reduced. According to variousembodiments, the capillary array can be composed of 96 capillaries 1,load header 4, separators 16, detection unit 5, capillary head 17, and acapillary frame 22 for holding the separators and other structure. Aboss 24 can be attached to the capillary frame 22 for identifying thetype of the capillary array being used.

[0027] According to various embodiments, the capillaries 1 can be made,for example, of quartz pipes having a diameter of about 0.15 mm. At theload header 4, the 96 capillaries 1 can be arranged in a matrix of eightrows and 12 columns via hollow electrodes 20. At the detection unit 5,the capillaries 1 can be arranged in parallel, and at the capillary head17, they can be bundled and retained. Between the detection unit 5 andthe load header 4, the capillaries can be loosened and retained by aseries of separators 16. Between the detection unit 5 and the capillaryhead 17, the capillaries can be bundled into a strip by athermo-compression sheet 32 to improve their rigidity.

[0028] The capillaries 1 can be bent into a three-dimensional shape suchthat they can extend vertically at the load header 4. Spaced intervalsbetween the capillaries 1 can be substantially uniformly narrowed as thecapillaries 1 extend away from the capillary head 17 and are bent. Afterextending for a certain distance, the capillaries 1 can be bent in theopposite direction in a more gradual curve and, after extending foranother certain distance, they can be twisted in a clockwise directionby about 90 degrees, arranged in parallel in the detection portion, andthen finally converged into one bundle by the load header 4. In thismanner, the capillary array can be reduced in size, which in turn makesit possible to reduce the size of the thermostatic oven of theelectrophoresis apparatus main body. As a result, the temperature in thethermostatic oven can be more easily controlled. If the capillaries 1have different lengths, a certain positional relationship between thedetection unit 5 and the load header 4 can be maintained, so thatmultiple kinds of capillary arrays with different capillary lengths canbe employed in the electrophoresis apparatus.

[0029] According to various embodiments, the capillary frame 22 can bedisposed near the path of the capillaries 1 and can be securely fittedwith the load header 4 such that the frame 22 can be handled as anintegral part of the load header 4. Further, the capillary frame 22 candetachably hold the detection unit 5 and the capillary head 17, and theseparators 16 can be fixed to the frame via bars 23.

[0030] The capillary array can be mounted inside the thermostatic ovenof the electrophoresis apparatus, and therefore, the capillary frame 22can be made by injection-molding a plastic material with a breakdownvoltage of 20 kV, and heat resistance of 70° C. or more. Any materialsor production processes may be employed as long as they can producecomponents that can sustain the above conditions.

[0031] According to various embodiments, the capillary frame 22 can beflexible. If a rigid capillary frame were to be used, it could break ifstruck during handling, or if the weight of components mounted along thecapillaries 1, were to be applied to the thin, wire-like capillaries.Thus, by providing the capillary frame 22 with flexibility, variousexternal forces can be absorbed and the damage to the capillaries 1 canbe substantially prevented.

[0032]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a separator 16 for orderlyarranging the multiple capillaries 1 and a bar 23 for supporting theseparator 16. The separator 16 can be retained by the capillary frame 22via the bar 23 that can be attached to the capillary frame 22. Theseparator 16 can function to arrange the capillaries 1 in a matrix byfixing them in place one by one, such that they can extend from the loadheader 4 to the vicinity of the detection unit 5 without touching oneanother. The number of pairings of separators 16 and bars 23 can varydepending on the length of the capillaries 1, measured from about thecenter of the detection unit 5 to about the tip of the electrode 20 ofthe load header 4. For example, the number of pairings, can be 0, 3 and5, for capillary lengths of about 220 mm, about 360 mm, and about 500mm, respectively.

[0033] According to various embodiments, each of the separators 16 canbe made of a thin plate, and they can be arranged in parallel to theflow of air inside the thermostatic oven, so that they do not block theairflow. FIG. 4 shows a separator 16 in more detail. The separator 16can have 96 holes having about 1 mm diameters arranged in a cross-wovenlattice of eight rows and 12 columns, for guiding the capillaries 1. Forexample, 96 capillaries 1 can be arranged by passing each one of themthrough a hole having a diameter of about 1 mm, without being fixed tothe holes.

[0034] According to various embodiments, the capillaries 1 can bemoveable in a direction normal to the plane at the separator 16, so thatthe detection unit 5 and the capillary head 17 can be easily mounted onthe electrophoresis apparatus without the capillaries' movement beinginterrupted by the separator 16. Further, even if a large amount offorce is applied to the capillaries 1, the structure can absorb theforce, preventing damage to the capillaries 1 when they contact theseparator 16. When passing the 96 capillaries 1 through the individualseparators 16 during assembly, the separators 16 can be stacked andhandled as a single plate, thus facilitating the assembly of thecapillary array. Specifically, each separator 16 can have twopositioning holes for aligning the 96 holes of one separator with thoseof another when the separators are stacked.

[0035] According to various embodiments, each separator 16 can have arhombic opening for engagement with a bar 23. The rhombic opening can beformed by alternately folding the plate in the shape of a mountain and avalley. Accordingly, each separator 16 can be shaped back into theoriginal plate by extending the folds of the opening.

[0036] According to various embodiments, the bar 23 can include a squarecolumn portion whose sides can be substantially equal in length to eachof the sides of the rhombic opening of the separator 16. As the bar 23is squeezed into the rhombic opening of the separator 16, the squarecolumn of the bar 23 can forcibly turn the rhombus into a square, sothat the bar 23 can be held tightly in the hole of the separator 16. Thebar 23 can have a step between the circular column portion and thesquare column portion so that the bar 23 can be positioned axially,while the positioning of the bar 23 in its circumferential direction isdetermined by the square column portion. The tip of the bar 23 can beconically shaped so that it can be easily inserted into the separator16, thus making its assembly easier.

[0037] According to various embodiments, the separator 16 that isclosest to the detection unit 5 can be rotated by a little less than 90°with respect to those of the other separators 16, such that thecapillaries 1 can be arranged in a single column at the detection unit5.

[0038]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the capillary frame 22, thedetection unit 5, and the capillary head 17.

[0039] According to various embodiments, when the capillary array isstored, or before it is mounted on the electrophoresis apparatus, thedetection unit 5 can be positioned such that the capillaries 1 held bythe separators 16 are not easily tangled or cluttered during theattachment of the detection unit 5 to the electrophoresis apparatus mainbody. Specifically, the detection unit 5 can be positioned, when stored,in approximately the same location as when it is mounted onto theelectrophoresis apparatus. Because there is relatively little change inthe three-dimensional shape of the capillaries 1 after mounting, anytangling or cluttering of the three-dimensional structure of thecapillaries 1 that could be caused during transportation, or the like,can be fixed prior to mounting. As a result, the amount of adjustmentrequired after the array is mounted on the apparatus can be reduced, andalso the amount of work required to fix the capillaries 1 placed in thethermostatic oven, can be drastically reduced. As a result, damage tothe capillaries 1 can be avoided.

[0040] During storage, the detection unit 5 can be protected by a cover27 and a base 26, and can be retained by the capillary frame 22 via thebase 26. The capillary head 17 can be inserted into a protection cap 28which can be held by the capillary frame 22.

[0041] According to various embodiments, the capillary frame 22 can besecured to the load header 4, and the individual components can be heldby the capillary frame 22. Because the relative positional relationshipamong the members secured to the capillaries 1, such as the load header4, the detection unit 5 and the capillary head 17, can be fixed by theframe 22, the entire capillary array can be handled by way of the loadheader 4. Accordingly, even if a load were to be placed on the memberssecured to the capillaries 1, not much tension would be applied to thecapillaries 1, thus substantially avoiding breakage or other damage.

[0042] In contrast, there would be a greater danger of breakage if theload header 4 and the detection unit 5 are both pulled, for example, inthe case where the capillaries 1 are fixed and arranged on the loadheader 4 in a matrix, and are arranged at equal distances from the loadheader 4, in the detection unit 5. Greater danger of breakage would bepresent in such an arrangement because more tension could be applied tothose capillaries 1 that are secured along the periphery of the matrix,particularly at the four corners of the matrix. Such kind of breakagecan be avoided according to the various embodiments. Furthermore, as thecapillary array can be handled with one hand, other operations, such asopening or closing the door of the apparatus, can be performed with theother hand. Thus, handling and workability during mounting and storagecan be greatly improved.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the capillary array can be stored withouttipping or falling over, while the load header 4 can be protected by anelectrode protection cap 25. The capillary head 17 can be protected bythe capillary head protection cap 28, and the detection unit 5 can beprotected by the base 26 and cover 27. The capillary array can be stablysupported while the sample injection ends of the capillaries 1 aresurrounded by the electrode protection cap 25, and the electrodeprotection cap 25 can be filled with buffer solution. The capillaryarray can be stored for a long period of time by wetting the sampleinjection ends of the capillaries 1 with the buffer solution to preventthe deterioration of the sample injection ends.

[0044]FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view of the capillary array ready to bemounted in a thermostatic oven 29. FIG. 6(b) shows a flow chart of themounting operation. Hereafter, the operation for attaching or detachingthe capillary array will be described by referring to these drawings.

[0045] According to various embodiments, prior to the mountingoperation, the individual components of the capillary array can beretained by the flexible capillary frame 22, and the capillaries 1 canbe non-fixedly supported by the separators 16. Thus, the membersattached to the capillaries 1 can be handled as a unit by holding theload header 4, while avoiding the danger of a large amount of tensionbeing applied to the capillaries 1 during the operation.

[0046] First, the door to the thermostatic oven 29 can be opened, andthe electrode protection cap 25 can be removed while holding the frontalsides of the load header 4. Then, a groove on either side of the loadheader 4 can be aligned with a guide 30 in the thermostatic oven 29 ofthe apparatus. The capillary array can then be inserted into and mountedon the electrophoresis apparatus, while simultaneously inserting thebars 23 (which can range in number from 0 to 5) retaining the separators16, into holes in the main body as guides. Because the capillary arraycan be inserted into the apparatus by holding the frontal sides of theload header 4, substantially no tension can be applied to thecapillaries 1 during the insertion operation. While air is circulatedfrom the back of the apparatus towards the front, to keep thetemperature inside the thermostatic oven 29 constant, the influence ofthe capillary frame 22 on temperature control can be reduced because theframe 22 can be fixed on the load header 4 in a more downstream positionof air flow than the capillaries 1. The frame's 22 influence ontemperature control is further reduced because the capillary frame 22 ismade of bar-like members that have substantially identicalcross-sections and uniform thermal conductivity.

[0047] According to various embodiments, the capillary head protectioncap 28 can be fitted to the capillary head 17, and can be removed fromthe capillary frame 22. The capillary head protection cap 28 can beremoved from the capillary head 17. The detection unit 5 can be detachedfrom the capillary frame 22 by holding a knob of the base 26 afterremoving the cover 27. The capillary head 17 and the detection unit 5can be fixed on the apparatus in that order. Because the capillary head17 and the detection unit 5 are retained by the capillary frame 22 in aposition close to where they are to be connected to the apparatus, theycan be connected to the apparatus without moving them over a longdistance. Thus, danger of applying excessive tension to the capillaries1 during the connecting operation can be substantially reduced.

[0048] The mounting operation can be completed by closing the door tothe thermostatic oven 29. When it is desired to detach the capillaryarray from the electrophoresis apparatus, the above operation can beperformed in the opposite sequence.

[0049] According to various embodiments, attachment of the separators 16to the electrophoresis apparatus main body can be eliminated whenmounting the capillary array. Thus, the 96 capillaries 1, having thepredetermined three-dimensional shape, can be relatively easily disposedin the thermostatic oven 29. Previously, when an operator handled themultiple members attached to the capillaries 1 with two hands, there wasa danger of breaking the capillaries 1 if the members were to be pulledaway from one another. Such a danger of applying force to the individualmembers in opposite directions can be avoided in the present embodiment,because the load header 4, the capillary head 17, and the detection unit5, are handled individually. Thus, the capillary array can be mounted onthe apparatus even by a relatively unskilled operator.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the capillary frame 22 can have a boss 24for differentiating the type of the capillary array. According tovarious embodiments, the boss 24 can have an external size, for example,having about an 8 mm diameter about a 1.5 mm length, and its shape canvary depending on the characteristics of the capillary array. Theapparatus can be equipped with a sensor 31 that is not influenced byhigh voltage during electrophoresis, and the boss 24 can be mounted at acorresponding position on the capillary frame 22. When the capillaryarray is mounted, the boss 24 can push the sensor 31 mounted on theapparatus, thereby providing an indication of the type of capillaryarray being mounted. While the sensor 31 of the apparatus is shown as apush-button switch, other types of sensors can be implemented accordingto various embodiments.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the capillary array can be easyto manufacture and assemble, can be easily mounted on the apparatus, andcan reliably prevent damage to the capillaries 1 during handling.

[0052] According to various embodiments, the capillary array can includeseparators 16 that are detachably retained by a metal capillary frame22, and the capillary frame 22 can be removed from the capillary arrayduring mounting. FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b) are perspective views showing therelationship between a separator 16 and a bar 43, as the separator 16 ishandled. FIG. 8(a) is a perspective view of a capillary array about tobe mounted. FIG. 8(b) shows a flow chart of the mounting operation.Differences between previous embodiments will be described by referringto FIGS. 7(a), 7(b), 8(a), and 8(b).

[0053] According to various embodiments, the capillary frame 22 can bemade of stainless steel rod, and is capable of detachably retaining theseparators 16, a detection unit 5, and a capillary head 17, by utilizingthe rod's resilience. Because the stainless rod is more resilient thanresins, and can be bent, the capillary frame 22 can be temporarily bentinto a shape that allows the members carried by the frame 22, such asthe detection unit 5, capillary head 17 and separators 16, to be easilydetached or attached.

[0054] When mounting the capillary array of the various embodiments onthe apparatus, the separators 16 retained by the frame 22 can betransferred to the apparatus. Thereafter, the capillary frame 22 canthen be removed from the capillary array. The mounting operation will bedescribed below, including the handling of the separators 16.

[0055] The sequence of operation is similar to that disclosed inprevious embodiments up to the point where the detection unit 5 and thecapillary head 17 are connected to the apparatus, after the load header4 of the capillary head 17 is disposed in the thermostatic oven.

[0056] The bar 23 of the metal capillary frame 22 can be smaller thanthat disclosed in previous embodiments. Because the bar 23 retains theseparator 16 during storage and mounting, and not after mounting. Theapparatus has bars 43 for retaining the separators 16 when the capillaryarray is mounted in the electrophoresis apparatus.

[0057] When the load header 4 is slid onto the apparatus, the separators16 can be positioned adjacent to the separator-retaining bars 43 on theelectrophoresis apparatus, such that the bars 23 of the capillary frame22 are aligned with the bars 43 on the apparatus. Because the bars 43 ofthe apparatus are situated at the tip of the bars 23 of the capillaryframe 22, the separators 16 can be easily transferred to the bars 43 onthe electrophoresis apparatus, by holding and sliding them one by oneonto the apparatus. After all of the separators 16 are transferred, thecapillary frame 22 can be removed from the load header 4, and the doorto the thermostatic oven can then be closed, completing the mountingoperation.

[0058] When the capillary array is to be detached from the apparatus,the above operation is performed in the opposite sequence.

[0059] Alternatively, the electrophoresis apparatus may be provided withangular openings adapted to fit with the rhombus openings of theseparators 16, so that, when the load header 4 is disposed on theelectrophoresis apparatus, the rhombus openings of the separators 16 canbe inserted into and fitted with the openings. In this way, theseparators 16 can be easily attached to the apparatus.

[0060] Although the present embodiment transfers the separators 16between the capillary frame 22 and the electrophoresis apparatus, thecapillary array can be easily mounted on the electrophoresis apparatuswhile preventing damage to the capillaries during the handling of thecapillary array. Further, the productivity of the capillary array can beimproved.

[0061] The present teachings make it easier to mount the capillary arrayon the electrophoresis apparatus. The present teachings also helpprevent damage to the capillaries during handling of the capillaryarray, and allow the productivity of the capillary array to be improved.

[0062] Those skilled in the art can appreciate from the foregoingdescription that the present teachings can be implemented in a varietyof forms. Therefore, while these teachings have been described inconnection with particular embodiments and examples thereof, the truescope of the present teachings should not be so limited. Various changesand modifications may be made without departing from the scope of theteachings herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A capillary array comprising: a plurality ofcapillaries having a first end and a second end, the plurality ofcapillaries being filled with a polymer capable of separating samples; acapillary head arranged to retain one end of the plurality ofcapillaries, and capable of being connected to an electrophoresisapparatus; a load header arranged to retain the other end of thecapillaries at a predetermined position, and capable of being mounted onthe electrophoresis apparatus; a detection unit arranged to retain aportion of the capillaries, and capable of acquiring information fromthe samples in the capillaries; and a frame capable of supporting theload header, the capillary head, and the detection unit, of which atleast one is detachably supported.
 2. An electrophoresis apparatuscomprising: a plurality of capillaries each having a first end and asecond end, the plurality of capillaries being filled with a polymercapable of separating samples; a capillary head arranged to retain oneend of the plurality of capillaries, and capable of being connected tothe electrophoresis apparatus; a load header arranged to retain theother end of the capillaries at a predetermined position, and capable ofbeing mounted on the electrophoresis apparatus; a detection unitarranged to retain a portion of the capillaries, and capable ofacquiring information from the samples in the capillaries; and a framecapable of supporting the load header, the capillary head, and thedetection unit, of which at least one is detachably supported.
 3. Acapillary array comprising: a plurality of capillaries having a firstend and a second end, the plurality of capillaries being filled with apolymer capable of separating samples; a capillary head arranged toretain one end of the plurality of capillaries, and capable of beingconnected to an electrophoresis apparatus; a load header arranged toretain the other end of the capillaries at a predetermined position, andcapable of being mounted on the electrophoresis apparatus; a detectionunit arranged to support the plurality of capillaries in parallel, andcapable of acquiring information from the samples in the capillaries;and a flexible frame capable of supporting the load header, thecapillary head, and the detection unit, of which at least one isdetachably supported.
 4. A capillary array comprising: a plurality ofcapillaries having a first end and a second end, the plurality ofcapillaries being filled with a polymer capable of separating samples; acapillary head arranged to retain one end of the plurality ofcapillaries, and capable of being connected to an electrophoresisapparatus; a load header arranged to retain the other end of thecapillaries at a predetermined position, and capable of being disposedon the electrophoresis apparatus; a detection unit arranged to supportthe plurality of capillaries in parallel, and capable of acquiringinformation from the samples in the capillaries; and a separator capableof individually supporting the capillaries in a non-fixed position; anda frame capable of supporting the load header, the capillary head, andthe detection unit.
 5. A capillary array comprising: a plurality ofcapillaries having a first end and a second end, the plurality ofcapillaries being filled with a polymer capable of separating samples; acapillary head arranged to retain one end of the plurality ofcapillaries, and capable of being connected to an electrophoresisapparatus; a load header arranged to retain the other end of thecapillaries at a predetermined position, and capable of being disposedon the electrophoresis apparatus; a detection unit arranged to supportthe plurality of capillaries in parallel, and capable of acquiringinformation from the samples in the capillaries; and a separator capableof supporting the capillaries in a non-fixed position and capable ofbeing disposed on the electrophoresis apparatus; and a frame capable ofbeing detachably mounted to the load header, the frame detachablyretaining the separator such that when the load header is disposed onthe electrophoresis apparatus, the separator is positioned near aseparator retaining member supported by the electrophoresis apparatus.6. A method of mounting the capillary array of claim 1 on anelectrophoresis apparatus, comprising: mounting the load header on theelectrophoresis apparatus while the load header, the capillary head, andthe detection unit are supported by the frame; and detaching at leastone of the load header, the capillary head, and the detection unit fromthe frame and connecting it to the electrophoresis apparatus, while theload header is mounted on the electrophoresis apparatus.
 7. A method ofmounting a capillary array on an electrophoresis apparatus, thecapillary array comprising: a plurality of capillaries each having afirst end and a second end, the plurality of capillaries being filledwith a polymer capable of separating samples; a capillary head arrangedto retain one end of the plurality of capillaries, and capable of beingconnected to an electrophoresis apparatus; a load header arranged toretain the other end of the capillaries at a predetermined position, andcapable of being mounted on the electrophoresis apparatus; a detectionunit arranged to retain a portion of the capillaries, and capable ofbeing connected to the electrophoresis apparatus; and a frame capable offixing a positional relationship among the capillary head, the detectionunit, and the load header: the method comprising: mounting the loadheader on the electrophoresis apparatus while the load header, thecapillary head, and the detection unit are fixed on the frame;separating the capillary head from the load header while the load headeris mounted on the electrophoresis apparatus; separating the detectionunit from the load header while the load header is mounted on theelectrophoresis apparatus; connecting the capillary head to theelectrophoresis apparatus while the load header is mounted on theelectrophoresis apparatus; and connecting the detection unit to theelectrophoresis apparatus while the load header is mounted on theelectrophoresis apparatus.
 8. A method of mounting a capillary array onan electrophoresis apparatus, the capillary array comprising: aplurality of capillaries each having a first end and a second end, theplurality of capillaries being filled with a polymer capable ofseparating samples; a capillary head arranged to retain one end of theplurality of capillaries, and capable of being connected to anelectrophoresis apparatus; a load header arranged to retain a portion ofthe capillaries at a predetermined position, and capable of beingdisposed on the electrophoresis apparatus; a detection unit arranged toretain a portion of the capillaries in parallel, and capable ofacquiring information from the samples in the capillaries; and aseparator capable of individually supporting the capillaries in anon-fixed position and capable of being disposed on the electrophoresisapparatus; and a frame capable of retaining the load header and theseparator; the method comprising: mounting the load header on theelectrophoresis apparatus and disposing the separator in the vicinity ofa separator attachment mounted on the electrophoresis apparatus, whilethe load header and the separator are retained by the frame; detachingthe separator from the frame and disposing it on the separatorattachment; and detaching the frame, which does not retain theseparator, from the load header.